WATCH: Mick Abel had Yankees’ Juan Soto in a blender yesterday, dazzles in relief with an impressive strikeout

Mick Abel, the Philadelphia Phillies No. 2 prospect entered yesterday’s Spring Training game against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning, relieving Zack Wheeler. 

As one of the newest members of the Yankees, Juan Soto, stepped into the box to face the 22-year old right hander, Abel didn’t seem too concerned that he was facing one of Major League Baseball’s best hitters. 

WATCH: Zack Wheeler’s new Splitter is absolute FILTH >>

Abel started the at-bat by throwing a four-seamer up in the zone which Soto fouled off with what was honestly more of a defensive check-swing than an attempt to put the ball in play. The second pitch, which was called a ball, was a curve ball in the same spot that any baseball fan has witnessed being called a strike. 

From there Abel attacked Soto directly down the center of the plate with a changeup and another four-seamer which left Soto in a blender at the plate. He was way ahead of the off-speed changeup and behind the 95.2 mph fastball, which he popped up down the third baseline for a foul ball. 

Abel then climbed the ladder with a 95.1 mph fastball that had Soto swinging for the strikeout. 

Mick Abel had Juan Soto in a blender

That'll play.

The @Phillies ' Mick Abel — MLB's No. 49 prospect — gets Juan Soto to chase a 95 mph fastball for a K. pic.twitter.com/XPh8IKuN0Y

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 11, 2024

I know it’s just Spring Training but man, was that a sequence from Mick Abel. Soto has been on fire this Spring, batting an impressive .429 with a 1.573 OPS, 4 home runs, and 10 RBI.

Abel ended the frame with two ground outs from Gleyber Torres and Ben Rortvedt and continued to pitch well in the fifth when he had Everson Pereira strike out before getting another grounder Josh VanMeter.

While only appearing in two games so far this Spring for the Phillies (illness), Abel has been squeaky clean. He’s thrown 2.2 innings with four strikeouts while not allowing a single hit or walk. 

His chances to make the Opening Day roster don’t seem likely, but I would bet good money that we see Abel in a Phillies uniform sooner than later. Last season in the minors, Abel made it to Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season and has posted a 14-20 record with a 4.09 ERA.

Phillies Top 5 Prospects

1. Andrew Painter, RHP (MLB No. 27)
2. Mick Abel, RHP (MLB No. 49)
3. Aidan Miller, 3B/SS (MLB No. 61)
4. Justin Crawford, OF (MLB No. 77)
5. Starlyn Caba, SS

Mick Abel (MLB No. 49) hit 95 mph or higher on 7 pitches, fanning 2 in a perfect frame for the @Phillies. pic.twitter.com/quqlajqyh6

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 25, 2024

Philadelphia Phillies 2024 Top 30 Prospect List >>

Keep an eye out for Mick Abel and the rest of the Phillies’ top prospects during the inaugural MLB Spring Breakout game against the Detroit Tigers on March 16th. 

Join The Chase